Comedies
Ancient Greek comedies focused on average people, which helped them make fun of issues and ideas of the time. A satyr is a type of comedy presented at the end of a tragedy trilogy. The origin of comedy, much like the origin of tragedy, can be traced back to celebrations of Dionysus. Unlike tragedy, these celebrations were much more light-hearted. They featured processions of citizens wearing dancing and singing while wearing masks, while onlookers recited verses back. The words they sang were often satirical. These processions were called comos.
Aristophanes is considered the greatest comedy writer. He lived before the era of New Comedy in the late 4th century B.C. Menander was one of the most important writers of New Comedy. This era included plays with almost no satire, but instead featured social situations. They often focused on family situations and the flaws in the characters. New Comedy had great influence on Roman Comedy. |
A production of "Lysistrata," a comedy
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